Susquehanna University - Lanthorn Yearbook (Selinsgrove, PA)

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The Story IN 18 56 the Maryland Synod of the Lutheran Church made the first official move to establish an educational institution at Selinsgrove. It was thought that this section along the Susquehanna River would pro- vide excellent classical training for y r oung men of the church who intend- ed to prepare for the gospel ministry. A beautiful Gothic Cross stands in the vicinity of Selinsgrove Hall beneath the majestic pines as a monument of gratitude to the great man in whose heart was first conceived and chiefly by whose efforts was realized the noble institution we all love. Reverend Dr. Benjamin Kurtz, an eminent divine of the Lutheran Church laid the cornerstone of Missionary Institute on Sept. 1 , 18 5 8. Exactly seventy-five years ago beneath a clear sky on an eminence overlooking the town of Selinsgrove and the flowing river beyond, the first spadeful of earth was turned and the first stone put in place; being born in faith and organized and promoted through prayer, it has grown steadily to its present strength. Just as the great pine trees which adorn her campus have developed from tiny r insignificant twigs, so Susquehanna has grown in honor and in power from one building to twelve fine modern structures of splendid design, capable of supplying the needs of a large number of students. In speaking of the tri- umphs, one must always consider the circum- stances through which they have developed. It was great and noble of those learned doctors, some of whom from the days of Missionary Insti- tute and others who from the time of Susquehanna ' s ,, ,,,, beginning as a University Page Twelve

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' 620 EDUCATION ADVANCED AND TEACHERS FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES WERE ENCOURACED TO COME TO SWEDEN

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of Susquehanna in 1 894 have given their full measure of devotion. Around those beloved individuals the story as told. by the Class of ' 34 radiates and upon whom reflects the glory of this institution. On account of the University being beautifully situated on an eleva- tion about one-half mile from the west bank of the Susquehanna River one may look toward the South from the campus and see the horizon broken by rugged peaks of the hills and the promontories of the mountains which extend like sentinels guarding the valley between and the students who attend classes on the campus. As a climber who reaches the summit of Mahanoy Mountain can look down upon a gorgeous scene, so may one gain by study among the Classic Halls of S. U. the height of attainment from which he may look out upon a world of splendid opportunities. In her going forward, Susquehanna has undergone many trials and hardships, but as old Mahanoy buffeted by winds and rains stands in rugged majesty, so our Susquehanna continues to stand casting a classical influence upon all those who came in contact with her. Much like the great river after which the University is named she has practically cut her own channel, gathering strength in its course by inflow- ing streams — the service and devotion of Godly men and women. We, the Class of ' 34, feel some- what elated, for with our coming to the campus as Freshmen, Susquehanna became an accredited insti- tution of higher learning. It appears to us that be- yond this sea of fulfillment of her existence, there rises a radiant prophesy of greater work and glory, rich in power, Christian ideals and knowledge. steel science hall Page Thirteen